Blue Basin Waterfall- Travel Guide

---------Travel Guide--------

Blue Basin Waterfall- Diego Martin

Travel Guide

Diego Martin! One of my communities on the island, so far at least! Although, I think it will always be up there at the top of my travel list. It is just magical. Lush green tropical mountains loaded with abundant flora and fauna and indigenous wildlife surrounds the township. Here I feel like I turn into a different person when I am on the trail to Blue Basin- a barefoot, traditional, more adventurous vacationer and I absolutely love it....

An Arial View of Diego Martin

So without further ado, I would like to jump in with my favorite Eco attraction in the village, Blue Basin Falls. But firstly, let me caution you about the surroundings in Diego Martin and encourage you to check out my fellow classmate's blog FeelsafeTT on personal safety in T&T especially when travelling and hiking in high risk areas. Diego Martin has been flagged by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service as a community with gang and criminal activities..so how to keep safe in Diego Martin?

For Safety- Travel In Groups

Well whenever i visit Blue Basin Falls, i always go with my friends, therefore, for safety you can pair with a local representative through RoamTT, or travel in groups such as Islandhikers and outdoortt who do hikes in groups.

Awesome! now that that safety tip is out of the way, lets go back to getting to Blue Basin Falls......

Insane. Tropical. Paradise!!!! Nestled in a secluded valley, a scenic place endorsed by towering mountains is the village of Cameron where you must pass to reach the Falls, well at least the shorter way inside, although some locals may argue...

The trek from Cameron to Blue Basin will take 1½ hour and starts at the village playing field with a steep descend to the river. The trail continues on the other side of the bank through the forest to the falls.It is miles and miles of the craziest/most beautiful cliffs you’ll see in your life. The trail snakes along the cliffs (it’s moderately difficult, but you’ll see people from all walks of life on the trail), but be careful as you don't know who is who, so stay in your lane!

Hidden from view, on top the main Blue Basin Falls there are a series of pools to discover. These basins named after their unique appearance and called by villagers as White Hole, Coffin Hole, and Tsou Falls. On the return journey, there is the option to climb the rocks and follow the river upstream back to Cameron. 

Mountain Range to Blue Basin Falls

The miles go by pretty slowly because you need to take it slower due to mud and just a more challenging terrain. But, at the end is an insane waterfall in the jungle you can swim in that’s only accessible to other people who have trekked through the jungle. So you definitely feel very accomplished! It is very cold in the water and it is advised to not swim with any open wounds and DON’T drink the water…keep it out of your mouth. That part sounds pretty obvious to me…but you never know! Other than that, swimming under a waterfall is one of the most amazing feelings I have felt. Each time my friends and I have done this hike, I just photograph the phenomenal and paranormal views. I take of my jersey and swim in my shorts….you will dry off very quickly and LADIES there isn’t anywhere to change into a bathing suit!

There are wild animals EVERYWHERE running around and it may be the cutest thing ever... if you don't panic.

BUY BUG SPRAY YOU GUYS! Seriously, don’t go on any hikes without it…and get a heavy duty one! I recommend the Burt Bees one below which can be purchased at Starlite Pharmacy Map to Find Starlite Pharmacy or Map to Find Superpharm Pharmacy in Diego Martin .

Hike will take you 2-3 hours for the waterfall or 5-7 if you do the whole Paramin/Diego Martin route. Plan accordingly.

To bring in your backpack:

Bug spray- reapply a few times during the trip, the mosquitos are relentless on this one.

LOTS of water- 2 big bottles a person…it is a long hike.

Snacks- apples, protein bars, almonds, a sandwich etc. because you will need the nourishment and energy.

Water shoes– for crossing rivers easily and swimming in the waterfall!

Sunscreen- definitely needed for the beach portion of the hike.